Radiohead: The Best Of cover

Released 18 years ago this June

Radiohead: The Best Of

Radiohead · 2008

135 min · 30 tracks · alternative rock · art rock · experimental rock

A sweeping anthology of existential angst and sonic innovation that defines modern alternative rock.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • existential themes for introspective moments
  • ideal for late-night contemplation
  • dynamic shifts in emotional tone
  • strong narrative through varied tracks
  • for long drives

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer upbeat, instant gratification
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Themes
disaffected youth· alienation in suburbia· post-millennial anxiety
Career context
Released in 2008, 'The Best Of' marks an important retrospective for Radiohead, showcasing their evolution from the grunge-inflected sound of 'Creep' to the experimental textures of 'In Rainbows'. By this point, they had solidified their status as pioneers in alternative rock, following the critical acclaim of albums like 'OK Computer' and 'Kid A'. This compilation serves both as a celebration of their past hits and a bridge to their future explorations.
Stylistic neighbors
Sigur Rós· Interpol· The National
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Turn on the Bright Lights by Interpol — Shares a similar atmosphere of urban alienation and post-punk revival with intricate production.
Boxer by The National — Explores themes of existential angst with atmospheric instrumentation and introspective lyrics.
( ) by Sigur Rós — Features expansive soundscapes and emotional depth, mirroring Radiohead's experimental approach.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Just 3:54
  • 2 Paranoid Android 6:27
  • 3 Karma Police 4:24
  • 4 Creep 3:57
  • 5 No Surprises 3:49
  • 6 High and Dry 4:17
  • 7 My Iron Lung 4:36
  • 8 There There 5:21
  • 9 Lucky 4:18
  • 10 Optimistic 4:53
  • 11 Fake Plastic Trees 4:51
  • 12 Idioteque 4:37
  • 13 2 + 2 = 5 3:19
  • 14 The Bends 4:05
  • 15 Pyramid Song 4:49
  • 16 Street Spirit (Fade Out) 4:13
  • 17 Everything in Its Right Place 4:11

Disc 2

  • 1 Airbag 4:47
  • 2 I Might Be Wrong 4:52
  • 3 Go to Sleep 3:22
  • 4 Let Down 4:59
  • 5 Planet Telex 4:19
  • 6 Exit Music (for a Film) 4:27
  • 7 The National Anthem 5:47
  • 8 Knives Out 4:15
  • 9 Talk Show Host 4:39
  • 10 You 3:28
  • 11 Anyone Can Play Guitar 3:37
  • 12 How to Disappear Completely 5:55
  • 13 True Love Waits 5:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata